Yardbarker: Sandis Ozolinshhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/players/sandis_ozolinsh/5286
Recent articles about Sandis Ozolinshen-usJohnson named to All-Star team, Pickard recalledThe NHL announced that Erik Johnson will represent the Colorado Avalanche at the All-Star Game on Jan. 25 in Columbus, Ohio. It will be the 26-year-old’s first career All-Star appearance and he will be Colorado’s lone representative at the game this season.
“Feels really good to do it in Colorado. This is an organization that traded for me, believed in me, and it means a lot to do it here,” Johnson said. “I’d trade it for being first in the Central [Division] right now. You want to win and we haven’t been doing a lot of that. But on a personal note, it definitely feels good to do something like this.”
The Avalanche acquired the former No. 1 overall draft pick from the St. Louis Blues in 2011 in a deal that included Kevin Shattenkirk – who was also selected for his first career All-Star appearance this year.
Johnson is the first Avalanche defenseman to be named to the All-Star Game since Rob Blake in the 2003-04 season. Blake, Sandis Ozolinsh, and Ray Bourque are the only other def...12 Jan 2015 10:34:12 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/johnson_named_to_all_star_team_pickard_recalled/18071096
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/johnson_named_to_all_star_team_pickard_recalled/18071096Johnson named to All-Star team, Pickard recalledhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/johnson_named_to_all_star_team_pickard_recalled/18071096http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngCanada holds off Latvia 2-1 in Olympic thrillerShea Weber scored a tiebreaking power-play goal with 6:54 to play, and Canada survived an enormous scare from Latvia to advance to the Olympic men's hockey semifinals with a 2-1 victory Wednesday night.
Carey Price made 15 saves for the defending Olympic champion Canadians, who were stretched to the limit by Latvia goalie Kristers Gudlevskis.
The 21-year-old Tampa Bay Lightning prospect made 55 saves in a spectacular performance, nearly pulling one of the biggest upsets in hockey history largely by himself.
But Weber unleashed his peerless slap shot late in a power play, and Canada finally took the lead on its 54th shot against Gudlevskis.
Canada advanced to a semifinal meeting with the United States on Friday in a rematch of the gold-medal game in Vancouver four years ago.
One night after Latvia recorded its first Olympic victory in 12 years to reach its first quarterfinals, Buffalo Sabres coach Ted Nolan's team improbably tested the champs.
Lauris Darzins scored a breakaway ...19 Feb 2014 15:07:43 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/canada_holds_off_latvia_2_1_in_olympic_thriller/15824465
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/canada_holds_off_latvia_2_1_in_olympic_thriller/15824465Canada holds off Latvia 2-1 in Olympic thrillerhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/canada_holds_off_latvia_2_1_in_olympic_thriller/15824465http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/1/e14627919c240242365a7c0f41e4e844a9f848b1/mini/Nashville_Predators_v_e9e7.jpgCanada-Latvia Olympic Hockey Preview: Canadians’ Depth Will Propel Them To SemifinalsLatvia earned one of its best wins ever in a 3-1 upset over Switzerland in Tuesday’s qualification round game, and the road doesn’t get any easier for the European nation because its next opponent is defending gold medalists Canada.
Canada finished the group stage 3-0 with wins over Norway, Austria and Finland. The Canadians also scored the second-most goals (11) and gave up the second-fewest goals (two) in the preliminary round stage, and unfortunately for Latvia, its quarterfinal opponents haven’t even played their best hockey yet.
How much of a test does Latvia pose for Canada at noon on Wednesday? Find out in the in-depth preview below.
Forwards
Canada hasn’t had any trouble scoring goals in Sochi, but team captain Sidney Crosby has only two assists and isn’t creating many scoring chances. He practiced with Penguins teammate Chris Kunitz and Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron during Tuesday’s practice. By putting Crosby alongside to responsible, defensively skilled wingers, it’s possible 18 Feb 2014 19:41:10 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/canada_latvia_olympic_hockey_preview_canadians_depth_will_propel_them_to_semifinals/15817733
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/canada_latvia_olympic_hockey_preview_canadians_depth_will_propel_them_to_semifinals/15817733Canada-Latvia Olympic Hockey Preview: Canadians’ Depth Will Propel Them To Semifinalshttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/canada_latvia_olympic_hockey_preview_canadians_depth_will_propel_them_to_semifinals/15817733http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngLatvia holds off Swiss 3-1 to reach quarterfinalsOskars Bartulis and Lauris Darzins scored in the first period, and Latvia reached the Olympic men's hockey quarterfinals for the first time with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland on Tuesday night.
Edgars Masalskis made 32 saves and Darzins added an empty-net goal in the surprising Latvians' first Olympic victory since 2002, when they returned to the games after a 66-year absence.
Latvia went winless in preliminary-round play in Sochi, losing 1-0 to the Swiss in its opener.
Latvia and its Canadian coach, Buffalo's Ted Nolan, advanced to face defending champion Canada in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night.
Martin Pluss scored and Jonas Hiller stopped 19 shots for the Swiss, who are out despite allowing just four goals in four games. Switzerland managed just three Olympic goals of its own.
Hiller hadn't allowed a goal in Sochi, posting two shutouts in the preliminary round, until Bartulis beat the Anaheim Ducks goalie through a screen 8:38 in.
Masalskis, the Latvians' four-time Ol...18 Feb 2014 14:47:36 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/latvia_holds_off_swiss_3_1_to_reach_quarterfinals/15815441
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/latvia_holds_off_swiss_3_1_to_reach_quarterfinals/15815441Latvia holds off Swiss 3-1 to reach quarterfinalshttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/latvia_holds_off_swiss_3_1_to_reach_quarterfinals/15815441http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/7/87aadf7d16b69f7100d5e23144a623ffedeb17ea/mini/Buffalo_Sabres_v_36b6.jpg10 Things to Know About Olympic HockeyThe ice surface is bigger, the pay non-existent and what used to mean bragging rights around the world in the days of dueling superpowers counts for less now that everyone wound up on the same side of capitalism. The trade-off is that you might see one, and as many four, hockey games better-played than anything in an entire season of National Hockey League contests. Here's a look at the upcoming Olympic men's hockey tournament.
1. HOME COOKING
Both of the United States' wins were earned on home ice, in 1960 and 1980, as was Canada's eighth and most recent. Nobody else has turned the trick. Russia has never played host to a Winter Games and hasn't been part of a gold-medal winner since the Unified Team in 1994 (and the Soviet Union dynasty before that). But nothing short of a title here is going to fly with generations reared on tales of the ''Big Red Machine,'' especially since goalkeeping legend Vladimir Tretiak, serving as the Russian federation boss, is around to stir those mem...11 Feb 2014 07:26:50 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/10_things_to_know_about_olympic_hockey/15759368
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/10_things_to_know_about_olympic_hockey/1575936810 Things to Know About Olympic Hockeyhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/10_things_to_know_about_olympic_hockey/15759368http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngLooking Towards Sochi: Team Latvia PreviewTeam Latvia’s 2010 Record: 12th place
We will start off with Team Latvia who is in Group C of the Olympic group. Team Latvia had a disappointing trip back in 2010 as they finished in 12th place. This time around, head coach Ted Nolan will look to improve his team’s performance and return with a much better outcome. Here are the Latvian’s 25 men rosters:
Goaltenders:
Kristers Gudlevskis, Edgars Masalskis, Ervins Mustukovs
Defensemen:
Oskars Bartulis, Ralfs Freibergs, Arturs Kulda, Sandis Ozolinsh, Georgijs Pujacs, Krisjanis Redlihs, Arvids Rekis, Kristaps Sotnieks.
Forwards:
Armands Berzins, Martins Cipulis, Lauris Darzins, Kaspars Daugavins, Zemgus Girgensons, Miks Indrasis, Koba Jass, Martins Karsums, Ronalds Kenins, Vitalijs Pavlovs, Mikelis Redlihs, Janis Sprukts, Juris Stals, Herberts Vasiljevs.
While this team ranges from old veterans to young players looking to make a splash in their first Olympics, the future looks bright for the Latvians. One of the young players that head coach,Ted Nolan has 13 Jan 2014 21:34:12 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/looking_towards_sochi_team_latvia_preview/15534533
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/looking_towards_sochi_team_latvia_preview/15534533Looking Towards Sochi: Team Latvia Previewhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/looking_towards_sochi_team_latvia_preview/15534533http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngFaceoff with Steve and Mike: Making sense of the Olympic hockey format and who's taking gold?Will Crosby lead Canada to a second-straight gold medal in Sochi?
We've taken a look at the US Olympic hockey roster ad nauseum already, and there's still a month to go until the Opening Ceremonies. On Tuesday, the other 11 nations competing for hockey gold in Sochi announced their 25-man rosters, finally giving us something else to talk about. Shortly after the seemingly six-hour struggle that was Hockey Canada's announcement, Jeff and Derek here at Puck Drunk Love broke down each roster and gave you some insight on what to expect from each team competing.
Adding to that now, Steve and Mike thought it'd be a good idea to take a glance at the tournament from the group perspective, break down the format and give you some predictions on who will be belting out their national anthem with a medal around their necks.
Here are the groups, along with what you might expect from each one, a breakdown of the unconventional tournament format and some medal predictions for the ...09 Jan 2014 12:02:34 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/faceoff_with_steve_and_mike_making_sense_of_the_olympic_hockey_format_and_whos_taking_gold/15500585
http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/faceoff_with_steve_and_mike_making_sense_of_the_olympic_hockey_format_and_whos_taking_gold/15500585Faceoff with Steve and Mike: Making sense of the Olympic hockey format and who's taking gold?http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/faceoff_with_steve_and_mike_making_sense_of_the_olympic_hockey_format_and_whos_taking_gold/15500585http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngFaceoff with Steve and Mike: Making sense of the Olympic hockey format and who's taking gold?Will Crosby lead Canada to a second-straight gold medal in Sochi?
We've taken a look at the US Olympic hockey roster ad nauseum already, and there's still a month to go until the Opening Ceremonies. On Tuesday, the other 11 nations competing for hockey gold in Sochi announced their 25-man rosters, finally giving us something else to talk about.
Shortly after the seemingly six-hour struggle that was Hockey Canada's announcement, Jeff and Derek here at Puck Drunk Love broke down each roster and gave you some insight on what to expect from each team competing.
Adding to that now, Steve and Mike thought it'd be a good idea to take a glance at the tournament from the group perspective, break down the format and give you some predictions on who will be belting out their national anthem with a medal around their necks.
Here are the groups, along with what you might expect from each one, a breakdown of the unconventional tournament format and some medal predictions for the sake ...09 Jan 2014 12:02:34 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/faceoff_with_steve_and_mike_making_sense_of_the_olympic_hockey_format_and_whos_taking_gold/15500903
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/faceoff_with_steve_and_mike_making_sense_of_the_olympic_hockey_format_and_whos_taking_gold/15500903Faceoff with Steve and Mike: Making sense of the Olympic hockey format and who's taking gold?http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/faceoff_with_steve_and_mike_making_sense_of_the_olympic_hockey_format_and_whos_taking_gold/15500903http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngThe Latvian 2014 Olympic Hockey TeamGoaliesKristers Gudlevskis Edgars MasalskisErvins MustukovsDefensemenOskars Bartulis Sandis Ozolinsh Ralfs FreibergsArturs KuldaGeorgijs PujacsKrisjanis RedlihsArvids RekisKristaps SotnieksForwardsZemgus Girgensons, (Buffalo Sabres)Kaspars Daugaviņs Armands BerzinsMartins CipulisLauris DarzinsMiks IndrasisKoba JassMartins KarsumsRonalds KeninsVitalijs PavlovsMikelis RedlihsJanis SpruktsJuris StalsHerberts Vasiljevs07 Jan 2014 20:57:00 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/the_latvian_2014_olympic_hockey_team/15487565
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/the_latvian_2014_olympic_hockey_team/15487565The Latvian 2014 Olympic Hockey Teamhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/the_latvian_2014_olympic_hockey_team/15487565http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngBreakdown of all Olympic team rosters[ The Bolshoy ice dome ]
There is just something about the Olympic games in Sochi that has us excited. The first step was getting all of the rosters announced. That process was completed on Tuesday, so we wanted to take a quick look at the rosters for all Olympic teams as well as the biggest surprises and omissions from all of the Olympic rosters.
Group A
Russia - [ Roster ]
Surprising player to make it - Denis Kokarev. I would much rather have Alexander Semin on my team (see omission) and the choice the the Russian hockey federation to have a split NHL/KHL roster forces some better players who are on NHL rosters off while including some lesser skilled KHL players.
Biggest omission -- Alexander Semin. Even though he only has six goals and 18 points so far this season, he is still a dangerous weapon in the opponent’s zone. His omission is more than likely due to the fact that the Russian federation wanted the roster to be half NHL players and half KHL players and someone ...07 Jan 2014 14:39:43 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/breakdown_of_all_olympic_team_rosters/15484814
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/breakdown_of_all_olympic_team_rosters/15484814Breakdown of all Olympic team rostershttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/breakdown_of_all_olympic_team_rosters/15484814http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngBreakdown of all Olympic team rosters[ The Bolshoy ice dome ] There is just something about the Olympic games in Sochi that has us excited. The first step was getting all of the rosters announced. That process was completed on Tuesday, so we wanted to take a quick look at the rosters for all Olympic teams as well as the biggest surprises and omissions from all of the Olympic rosters. Group A Russia - [ Roster ] Surprising player to make it - Denis Kokarev. I would much rather have Alexander Semin on my team (see omission) and the choice the the Russian hockey federation to have a split NHL/KHL roster forces some better players who are on NHL rosters off while including some lesser skilled KHL players. Biggest omission -- Alexander Semin. Even though he only has six goals and 18 points so far this season, he is still a dangerous weapon in the opponent’s zone. His omission is more than likely due to the fact that the Russian federation wanted the roster to be half NHL players and half KHL players and someone ...07 Jan 2014 14:39:43 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/breakdown_of_all_olympic_team_rosters/15484739
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/breakdown_of_all_olympic_team_rosters/15484739Breakdown of all Olympic team rostershttp://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/breakdown_of_all_olympic_team_rosters/15484739http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/b/2bfa99f0dfcc221bbea442a42e8a78c548d4d979/mini/461195753.jpg